Dr. John L. Blackburn, who was UA’s dean of men in 1963, was deeply involved in the University’s desegregation. Not only did he help to prepare African-American students Vivian Malone and James Hood for enrollment, but he also worked with University leaders to plan the course of events and try to preempt all possible problems. His efforts helped to ensure a peaceful desegregation of the University — facing federal authorities, Alabama Governor George C. Wallace eventually removed himself without incident from the doorway of Foster Auditorium, through which he had tried to block Malone and Jones from entering.

Blackburn died July 3, 2009.